University of Texas at San Antonio

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational health science courses with specialised study of health systems, policy, management and community health. Core topics include anatomy and physiology, public health principles, health promotion and education, healthcare ethics, and health disparities. Students study the structure and financing of health systems, quality improvement, healthcare law and regulatory issues, and basics of health informatics and data management.

• Foundations in biological and behavioural sciences (e.g. human anatomy, physiology, nutrition and health behaviour)
• Health systems and policy (e.g. organisation of healthcare, health policy analysis, healthcare financing)
• Management and administration (e.g. healthcare operations, human resources, leadership in healthcare)
• Population and community health (e.g. epidemiology, health promotion, community assessment)
• Applied methods and technology (e.g. health informatics, programme evaluation, statistics for health services)
• Professional practice (e.g. practicum or internship, capstone project, case studies)

Optional electives and pathways often allow students to focus on areas such as health services administration, community health, gerontology, or health informatics. A substantial applied learning component — for example a supervised practicum or capstone experience — gives students direct exposure to hospitals, public health departments, community organisations or administrative settings.

Entry requirements

Admission requires a completed secondary school qualification or equivalent and fulfilment of the university's general undergraduate admissions criteria. Prospective students are expected to have prepared through courses in biology, mathematics and English; chemistry and social sciences are also helpful. Transfer applicants may be admitted on the basis of college coursework and transfer credit evaluations.

• Academic preparation: secondary school completion with coursework in science and English; relevant college-level coursework for transfer students.
• Application materials: official transcripts and any materials required by the university's undergraduate admissions office.
• Other considerations: personal statements, letters of recommendation or evidence of relevant volunteer/work experience can strengthen an application. International applicants should meet English language proficiency requirements set by the university.

Specific admission thresholds and programme prerequisites are set and published by the university; applicants should consult the UTSA admissions pages or academic advisers for the precise requirements that apply to their situation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in healthcare delivery, management and community health. Typical entry-level and early-career roles include health services coordinator, patient services manager, case manager, community health worker, health educator, clinic or practice administrator, and quality improvement assistant. The programme also provides a foundation for roles in health policy, healthcare consulting, and health information management.

• Work in hospitals and health systems in administrative, operations or quality roles
• Employment with public health agencies, community health organisations and non-profits
• Roles in outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities and ambulatory services
• Positions in health insurance, managed care organisations and healthcare consulting
• Pathway to postgraduate study in public health, health administration (MHA), healthcare informatics or clinical professions

Completion of the degree can also help students prepare for professional certifications relevant to their career path, such as community health education credentials or management-related certificates.

Why study at University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA offers the advantage of being located in a large, diverse metropolitan health ecosystem with established partnerships across hospitals, public health agencies and community organisations, providing strong practicum and internship opportunities. The university emphasises applied learning, with faculty who combine academic expertise and professional experience in health services, health policy and community engagement.

• Practical experience: access to supervised internships and community placements in San Antonio’s health sector.
• Interdisciplinary resources: collaboration opportunities across public health, nursing, social work and biomedical research units.
• Career support: dedicated advising and career services connecting students with employers and graduate study pathways.
• Community impact: a focus on serving diverse populations and addressing regional health disparities through research and outreach.

Prospective students should contact UTSA’s admissions and the department offering the Health Services degree for detailed information about curriculum options, practicum arrangements and how the programme can be tailored to individual career goals.